New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1887-05-01
DEATH OLA FAMOUS COSTUMER

,.upvvs WHO DESIGNED COSTUMES FOR QUEEN
y. VICTORIA AND MOST OF STAGE PEOPLE
Simon W. Laureys the well-known costumer, died
ut his home, No 7s1 Broadway on Friday. About
three years ago he became afflicted Win oroPSy'
which ultimately caused his death.
Mr. Laureys was born in Brussels Belgium May D,
1920. When boy on his way to school he had to
pass q shop where they made dresses and ne o'ten
became so int In the work that he stood at the
door all day watching the wOrkmen' to the neglect OF
his studies Later he obtained employment in the
shop and soon became exceedingly expert in design
ing dresses and costumes When his parents dis
covered this talent in him they sent bin to Paris,
where he was apprentced to Moreau, whose fame as
costumer was widespread. Laureys was with moreau
but short time when the latter told him that he not
only knew all he himself knew but had surpassed
him In 1851 Mr.. Laureys was induced by Augustus
Harris, then manager OF tue Drury Lane Theatre, TO
20 to LondOl where he became the leading costuiner
he made the regal robes and court dresseSpf queen
Victoria as well TOR Windsor Castle reoep-
lions and entertainments lie was also tue cnlei cos
tuner Tor Hell Majestys Theatre aud made costumes
for many theatrical people Macready, kean, Mario.
Grsi AMI other myers aud actors OF that umo pro-
cured their costumes from Alr. Lauteys
When Jarrett d Palmer first contemplated produc-
ing the " Black Crook tuey despaIed oil obtaining
com petent c0stuner to devise aud make The neces-
sary dresses. Finally they went TO London and IN
cuced Mr.. Laureys To come to New-fork ana get up
the costumes, and he did arriving IN this city IN
1866. Among the admirers OF that gorgeous spectacle
was A. 4. Stewart, who 10 said to have told Mr.
aureys that he aureysl was the pest Judge Oh coos
he ever saw. When NiDo's Garden Was Cest royed by
fire Mr.. Laureys, who occupied the top door OF the
buildiug lost all he had, including watch and chain
which mad been given him by Mario and medals
which no had received from the Royal Society OF
Paris, and from Brussels Lyons. Holland Der IN and
Drury lane. London. He next employed by
james Fisk furnish the costumes for tas Twelve
Temptations" and other spectacular plays which
were brought out at the Grand opera House. On the
death OF Mr. Fisk, Mr.. Laureys went TO san francisco.
where be furnIshea the costumes used in Henry
"" when brought out la that city George Rg0Od.
he was also cOstumer tor the California Theatre.
His California ventures, ewever proved disastrous
and he returned TO this city penniess Wnen he
arrived hero Mr.. Palmer employed him as cosluGer
for the Union Square Theatre.
Owing to his illness Mr. Laureys had not paid much
attention TO his business during the last three years.
he made eostumiDg study aud was considered an
authority the subject. Nearly all the prominent
actors and actresses OF the country we're among his
patrons He a member vi Howard Lodge. NO.
85, f. and A. NJ. the Lodge OF Perfection, Council
Princes Jerus em. Chapter OF Rose Croix the Con-
slstory OF 81 Degree Masons, and Temple Mobiles OF
the NJ, site Shrine. He was authority upon the
proper costuing OF all orders OF Masons and designed
much OF use1 IN celebrating tue secret
rites. The funeral viii take place at to-day
In the Masonic Temple